To the editor:

On Monday, a letter was written to “Annie’s Mailbox” about a boy named “Ben” who was told that another boy had a knife and was going to “get him.” Ben was later told the information was wrong. Regardless, Ben attacked the one with the alleged weapon in a pre-emptive strike. There were no knives found. Ben thought the attack was OK because the bully “deserved it”

Annie’s advice seemed excellent: HE ALLOWED HIS FEAR TO GET THE BETTER OF HIM. Please discuss this with the school counselor so there can be some mediation between Ben and the other boy. Ben also must make some kind of restitution for causing intentional harm, and he needs to understand why his behavior was wrong.

Sounds like good advice for “boys” of all ages.

I wish all “boys” would have to perform restitution for pre-emptive strikes. It’d be nice if all “boys” understood why delivering pre-emptive strikes because of rumors of weapons is wrong. Counseling for “boys” who are so full of fear that they beat up others over a rumor sounds like good advice too. They surely need it.

Brenda Lenz,

Lawrence